“Rest in peace Pele,” said Lionel Messi, world champion with Argentina, shortly after announcing the death of the Brazilian soccer legend at the age of 82 on Thursday.
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The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner posted his message on Instagram, captioning three photos: two of himself with Pelé and another of the legendary Brazilian celebrating a goal in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico.
Former Argentine player Gabriel Batistuta also reacted to Pelé’s death. “Thank you for everything you have given to the world of football. Rip Legend,” tweeted the former Fiorentina player, who was Argentina’s top scorer at the World Cup for 20 years and was recently overtaken by Messi.
When news of “King” Pele’s death broke, many Argentines remembered his message when Diego Maradona, another world football legend, died in 2020 at the age of 60.
“I lost a dear friend and the world a legend. I hope that one day we will play football together in paradise,” Pele wrote.
“One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. We will always remember the years when Pele wowed the world with his talent,” wrote Argentine President Alberto Fernandez, who is known as a huge football fan.
Condolences were also expressed by Argentine football clubs, including the popular Boca Juniors and River Plate.